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As furor grows over CAQ hijab ban, anti-racism protest set for Sunday

Author of the article:

Presse Canadienne

Publishing date:

October 4, 2018 • 1 minute read

Premier-designate François Legault.Photo by Jacques Boissinot/ THE CANADIAN PRESSGroups opposed to what they contend is the systemic racism that exists in Quebec and Canada will take to the streets in protest on Sunday, saying they are expecting “at least 1,000 people.” Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, the groups said they had been planning the march no matter which party won Monday’s provincial election in Quebec. However they took the opportunity to lambaste premier-designate François Legault and his Coalition Avenir Québec government, which they say promotes racist policies and threatens social justice. And they noted that even if Legault had distanced himself from the congratulations he received from French anti-immigration politician Marine Le Pen, their opinion remained the same.

The groups that will participate in the protest, planned to take place in Place Émilie-Gamelin in downtown Montreal, were particularly critical of Legault’s having decided to follow through on a campaign promise to ban the wearing of religious symbols by civil servants in positions of authority — including teachers.

“It isn’t for the state to tell a woman what she can or cannot wear,” said Safa Chebbi of the group Alternatives. “It is unacceptable. We reject this freedom-killing and anti-feminist law.”

Scott Weinstein of Voix juives indépendantes urged all teachers to deliberately wear such symbols to show solidarity with colleagues who will be targeted by the legislation should it be adopted.